IF YOU'RE NOT FIRST YOU'RE LAST

Kate Smith

If you had one shot, or one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted, in one moment. Would you capture it, or just let it slip?

In my case, I let my opportunity slip. Actually I let it roll a couple times then sadly slide across the finish line. My little town, Chokai, does its best to get on the map. “How can we attract more tourists? How can we show the rest of Akita that we’re more than just a hike up a mountain?” Well, by hosting a sledding competition, duh.

Every year at the beginning of March, the “ けっつじょり 世界選手権 (Ketsujori World Championship)” is held. A winding course carved out of the snow up by the Sarukura Onsen is the stage for this competition. You trek to the top of the slope and slide down on a fertilizer bag using your hips to navigate the turns. You get two timed runs and they’re added together, the lowest total time is the winner. Then you’re thrown onto a podium and showered with local goodies, and then you get lunch! Why it’s considered a “world” championship is beyond me, but it’s definitely an event.

I have been the reigning world champion for the last two years with record times, and I was going for that sweet Three Time World Champion title. An odd flex, I know, but it’s all I have going for me. As soon as February hits, the ketsujori buzz begins. “Kate, will you be champion again?” At first I laughed it off because it’s a sledding competition. But seeing how the entire town prepares for this event, that competitive fire in me wanted that number one podium spot.

This year the course was different. It was longer with harsher turns, and a jump at the end. No biggie, my practice runs went well and I was confident that I’d get my Three Time World Champion title. After a successful first run crashing into the staff at the end of the course, I was tied for the fastest time with another lady. Literally everything was on my second run. As I stood at the top waiting for my turn, I turned into B-Rabbit from 8 Mile. My palms were sweaty, knees weak, arms were heavy. I didn’t have mom’s spaghetti on my sweater though I was definitely nervous but on the surface I looked calm and ready to- you get it.

Unfortunately, the pressure became too much and on the last turn, I lost the edge and went for a tumble. Sounds of disappointment, despair, and defeat echoed from the crowd and the dream was crushed.

All joking aside, this event never fails to be a blast. Even though it’s a sledding competition, it’s taken very seriously and everyone in the community chips in. Students, parents, and staff are either competing or volunteering, showing up at 6:30am to prepare the course. Everyone is very welcoming and the energy is almost so overwhelming that you can’t stop smiling all day. As a bonus, the view of Mt. Chokai is impeccable, even when you take a little spill down the course, you can look up and she’s there to comfort the failure that you are. And as a bonus bonus, all sliders get lunch at the onsen after. Overall, it’s a Sunday well spent. Nothing but good vibes, good people, and sore tailbones.

(I will get my title back next year though)...